Places to have a kid’s birthday party

If you have children, the thought of your kiddo’s next birthday probably brings up a rush of emotions: affection, nostalgia, love, panic.

Don’t panic.

If you want to plan a fun party, but don’t want to go crazy in the process, you’ll find a the whole spectrum of options in Snohomish County to help.

Some of the simplest locations are city and county parks. Sure, you’ll still have to do some planning, but you won’t have to clean your house, and the playgrounds will do most of the work of entertainment.

At the other end of the spectrum, you can find a venue that will do everything for you, from mailing invitations to cleaning up the mess.

Party options: Customized parties based on child’s age and interests, includes use of room, crafts, games, cupcakes, beverages, favor bags and a hostess. Setup and cleanup are included. Themes include cowgirls, cowboys, princess and jungle parties.

Cost: $199 for a themed party package for 10. Other options available.

Party options: 2 hours of reserved studio time, $14 piece of pottery or in-store credit per child, balloons and face painting. Options including food are available, or you can bring your own. For ages 3 and older.

Party options: Parties include admission and skate rental, a reserved table for 45 minutes, ice cream and pop, and place settings. Party upgrade includes pizza, time, the slide and bouncy toys and a party-favor bag.

Cost: Varies depending upon day and time: $64 to $88 for basic package, up to eight skaters; $145 to $165 for upgrade package, up to 12 skaters; more skaters can be added to either type of party for an additional fee.

Party options: An hour of directed gymnastic activities and half an hour for refreshments and gifts. Helium balloon for each child and T-shirt for the birthday child. You provide refreshments and tableware.

Party options: Museum’s open hours, or after hours. Daytime parties include 90 minutes in a private party room and unlimited playtime in the museum. After-hours parties have the main floor and common areas to themselves. Parties can order food from the museum or bring their own. Parties include online printable invitations or postcard invitations.

Cost: Prices for the daytime range from $85 to $400. After-hour parties range from $340 to $500 for up to 75 guests for two hours; an additional hour is $200. Weekends are more expensive than weekdays.

Party options: Exclusive use of the gym for games, music and activities. Trained instructors lead the play. There is a party room for cake and presents. The employees handle setup and cleanup. Invitations are included, including addressing and mailing. There is a “Dora the Explorer”-themed party available.

Party options: You can rent the pool for either shared or private swim time. Party rooms are also available for rental. The rental includes lifeguards and use of all pool features.

Cost: Pool rental: $130 shared pool rental for up to 25 swimmers, $780 private pool rental for up to 150 swimmers. Room rentals: $65 for 25 people or $130 for 50 people. Room rentals are for an hour and 15 minutes, but can be extended.

Maria’s Desserts

What: Hands-on cooking or baking classes. Kids can make the food or desserts to be eaten at the party. The menu is tailored to kids’ ages and interests.

Party options: Time to play on the inflatable toys and use of the private party room. Parties include invitations, paper products, setup and cleanup. Some parties include pizza and drinks. Glow parties with lights and special effects and lights-out parties available.

Cost: $170 for a weekday party for 14 to $265 for a weekend party for up to 25.

Party options: Time on the tracks as well as helmets and race suits, instructions, video games, party room, invitations and more. There are also options for parties that include the business’s other options, such as the bouncy house, but not the track.

Cost: Prices vary. A basic package for eight kids 3 to 10 years old is $175, $18 for each additional child. Prices for older kids are higher. Check website for details.